Rhododendron arborescens

This plant has poison characteristics. See below.

Common Name(s):

Smooth azalea, Sweet azalea

Cultivar(s):

'Georgiana', 'Hot Ginger', 'Dynamite'

Categories:

Native Plants, Poisonous Plants, Shrubs

Comment:

A loosly branched deciduous shrub that has pink or yellow fragrant flowers and bright orange to crimson fall foliage. It is fast growing and spreads by underground runners. Shallow roots do not like cultivation around them, but rather prefer a thick layer of organic mulch which will help maintain moisture and protect against low winter temperatures. Test your soil as it may need to be acidified before planting and there after to maintain a low enough pH to satisfy this shrub's growth requirements. Does well planted in mixed or shrub boarders, woodland or open shade gardens. It tolerates wet planting sites so would be ideal in a rain garden. Deadhead immediately after bloom to maintain appearance.

Seasons of Interest:

Foliage: Fall, crimson Bloom: Spring/Summer, May-July

Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies. Tolerates damage by rabbits but is frequently damaged by deer. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. . Disease problems including but are not limited to canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch foliage. A healthy plant planted in the right place with good care should have limited problems.

White to light pink fragrant flowers often with pinkish to red stamens in late spring (after new leaves have fully expanded); may bloom sporadically all summer; strong fragrance

Zones:

4 to 7

Habit:

Deciduous

Site:

Best grown in light, acidic, sandy, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates wet sites. Although winter hardy to USDA Zone 4, it does not prosper in areas with high summer temperatures, and is not recommended for planting south of USDA Zone 7.

Texture:

Medium

Form:

Erect habit; loosely branched

Exposure:

Sun to partial shade; moist, well drained soil

Fruit:

White to light pink fragrant flowers often with red stamens in late spring (after new leaves have fully expanded); may bloom spo